Optimization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) Manufacturing Processes for a Better Therapeutic Outcome

MSCs products as well as their derived extracellular vesicles, are currently being explored as advanced biologics in cell-based therapies with high expectations for their clinical use in the next few years. In recent years, various strategies designed for improving the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), including pre-conditioning for enhanced cytokine production, improved cell homing and strengthening of immunomodulatory properties, have been developed but the manufacture and handling of these cells for their use as advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) remains insufficiently studied, and available data are mainly related to non-industrial processes. In the present article, we will review this topic, analyzing current information on the specific regulations, the selection of living donors as well as MSCs from different sources (bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, etc.), in-process quality controls for ensuring cell efficiency and safety during all stages of the manual and automatic (bioreactors) manufacturing process, including cryopreservation, the use of cell banks, handling medicines, transport systems of ATMPs, among other related aspects, according to European and US legislation. Our aim is to provide a guide for a better, homogeneous manufacturing of therapeutic cellular products with special reference to MSCsThis manuscript has been supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) through the project “RD16/0011: Red de Terapia Celular” (Groups: 0001, 0002, 0004, 0005, 0013, 0015, and 0029), fromthe sub-programme RETICS, integrated in the “Plan Estatal de I+D+I 2013-2016” and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) “A way to make Europe”, and also by the ISCIII through the project RICORS “RD21/0017;TERAV” (Groups: 001, 002, 003, 006, 009 and 010) that is supported by the Next Generation EU program (Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia); and the Regional Government of Madrid (S2017/BMD-3962, Avancell-CM

Immune Effector Cell-Associated Hematotoxicity (ICAHT): EHA/EBMT Consensus Grading and Best Practice Recommendations

Hematological toxicity represents the most common adverse event following chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Cytopenias can be profound, long-lasting, and can predispose for severe infectious complications. In a recent worldwide survey, we demonstrated that there remains considerable heterogeneity in regards to current practice patterns. Here, we sought to build consensus on the grading and management of Immune Effector Cell Associated Hemato-Toxicity (ICAHT) following CAR-T therapy. For this purpose, a joint effort between the European society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the European Hematology Association (EHA) involved an international panel of 36 CAR-T experts who met in a series of virtual conferences, culminating in a 2-day meeting in Lille, France. On the basis of these deliberations, best practice recommendations were developed. For the grading of ICAHT, a classification system based on depth and duration of neutropenia was developed for early (day 0-30) and late cytopenia (after day +30). Detailed recommendations on risk factors, available pre-infusion scoring systems (e.g. CAR-HEMATOTOX score), and diagnostic work-up are provided. A further section focuses on identifying hemophagocytosis in the context of severe hematotoxicity. Finally, we review current evidence and provide consensus recommendations for the management of ICAHT, including growth factor support, anti-infectious prophylaxis, transfusions, autologous hematopoietic cell boost, and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. In conclusion, we propose ICAHT as a novel toxicity category following immune effector cell therapy, provide a framework for its grading, review literature on risk factors, and outline expert recommendations for the diagnostic work-up and short- and long-term management

Benchmarking of survival outcomes following Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) : an update of the ongoing project of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and Joint Accreditation Committee of ISCT and EBMT (JACIE)

From 2016 EBMT and JACIE developed an international risk-adapted benchmarking program of haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) outcome to provide individual EBMT Centers with a means of quality-assuring the HSCT process and meeting FACT-JACIE accreditation requirements relating to 1-year survival outcomes. Informed by previous experience from Europe, North America and Australasia, the Clinical Outcomes Group (COG) established criteria for patient and Center selection, and a set of key clinical variables within a dedicated statistical model adapted to the capabilities of the EBMT Registry. The first phase of the project was launched in 2019 to test the acceptability of the benchmarking model through assessment of Centers' performance for 1-year data completeness and survival outcomes of autologous and allogeneic HSCT covering 2013-2016. A second phase was delivered in July 2021 covering 2015-2019 and including survival outcomes. Reports of individual Center performance were shared directly with local principal investigators and their responses were assimilated. The experience thus far has supported the feasibility, acceptability and reliability of the system as well as identifying its limitations. We provide a summary of experience and learning so far in this 'work in progress', as well as highlighting future challenges of delivering a modern, robust, data-complete, risk-adapted benchmarking program across new EBMT Registry systems